Learning Mongolian is tricky, there are a number of organisations who can help you to learn. The Mongolian National University (opposite the Bistrot Francais north of Sukhbaatar Square) can help with some lessons but the teachers usually have a relatively poor level of English themselves. We recommend the teachers from the ger to ger initiative. They are an aid project supported by the USAID and they strive to improve conditions in the ger districts of Ulaanbaatar. They are always happy to help and your fees will go towards improving the dreadful living conditions of the slums of the capital.

 

Another useful way of picking up Mongolian is to make friends with some! Mongolians are keen to meet Westerners, and learn English and teach Mongolian. If you have a mobile phone, you will find that by the time you leave the country your PhoneBook will be full of numbers of various people you have met on your travels. To learn a few sentences of Mongolian to help you during your travels in Mongolia please have a look at our quick Glossary.